Jai

On Chinese New Year, the first dish eaten is typically vegetarian. This stems from a Buddhist tradition that believes that vegetables purify and cleanse the body and soul. Jai, also known as Buddha's Delight, is a vegetable stew that's cooked with upwards of 16 different types of vegetables.

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Pomelos

It's common to find these big citrus fruits adorning tables during Chinese New Year. In Chinese, the word pomelo sounds like the word "to have," so it signifies having more things in the new year, like prosperity and status.

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Tray of Togetherness

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The Tray of Togetherness is a Chinese candy platter with either six or eight ingredients (six for good luck, eight for fortune), ranging from dried fruits and vegetables to nuts and other small candies or treats. Contents vary from household to household, but each of the snacks is said to bring luck and good fortune in the new year.

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Tangerines

Tangerines are a symbol of happiness and prosperity in China. During Chinese New Year, it's common for friends and family to give each other tangerines, preferably with the stem still attached, as those represent longevity.

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Longevity noodles

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It wouldn't be Chinese New Year without a bowl of longevity noodles. The Chinese believe that these long noodles are symbolic of a long life, so try not to bite or break them when eating. Slurping encouraged!

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Chinese prosperity cakes

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In Chinese, these rice flour cakes are called "fa gao." The name of the cake itself is a pun. "Fa" means both prosperity and leavened or raised, which is why these fluffy, dense cakes are known as prosperity cakes. When baked, they split on top and "blossom." The more petals have blossomed, the more prosperous you will be.

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Radish cake

You may have seen these little vegetable cakes served as dim sum, but they're also a traditional good luck food served around Chinese New Year. In Chinese, the word for radish also sounds like the word for "good fortune" which is why it's common to see these crispy, pan-fried veggie cakes served during new year celebrations.

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Sesame balls

These fried dough balls are best eaten fresh out of the fryer. The sticky treats are filled with red bean paste and covered in sesame seeds. As the balls of dough fry they expand, so it is believed that if you eat these your fortunes will expand similarly.

Whole chicken or fish

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It's important that both chicken and fish are served whole on Chinese New Year. A whole chicken, from beak to feet, symbolizes unity and family togetherness. A whole steamed fish, eyeballs and all, symbolizes abundance.